Deenie

Deenie’s parents Thelma and Frank play a significant role in shaping Deenie’s self-image and helping her accept her new diagnosis. Thelma is depicted as a highly controlling, ambitious mother who has assigned specific roles to each of her daughters. She proudly states that “Deenie’s the beauty, Helen’s the brain” (3), and as a result, she has been pushing Deenie to become a model and Helen to focus on academics. She often comments on Deenie’s appearance, praising her beauty while controlling her behavior, diet, and daily regimen, and her character illustrates The Negative Impact of Parental Ambition on Self-Identity. Before Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis, for instance, Thelma berates the young girl for not working hard enough on her posture. Once Dr. Kliner explains Deenie’s condition to Thelma, however, the latter is distraught about her daughter’s inability to model anymore. Throughout the novel, Deenie resents her mother’s controlling behavior because Thelma is often dismissive of Deenie’s own emotions and ambitions. When Helen confronts her mother, Thelma explains, “I wanted better for you […]. Better than what I had myself. That’s what I’ve always planned for my girls… is that so wrong?” (149). By the end of the story, Thelma relinquishes some of her control over her daughters, and the novel hints at their possible reconciliation.

On the other hand, Frank is depicted as more reserved and supportive than his wife. For instance, Deenie opens up to her father about her desire to try out for the cheerleading squad, while she hides it from Thelma. Frank is also the one who comforts Deenie after she is not selected for the team, and when she cries after trying on her brace. Although he appears more passive than Thelma, however, Frank is the one who insists on Deenie going to school as normal and wearing her brace at all times, despite the young girl’s pleas. He shows that this is his way of showing support, explaining that he does so for her own good: “The day I found out about your brace I promised myself I’d be firm […]. It’s hard for me too, Deenie” (154). Frank makes sure that life continues as normal for Deenie so she can accustom herself to her new reality. Significantly, Deenie eventually decides to keep her brace on at Janet’s party to avoid disappointing her father, and, by the end of the story, she realizes that he was right about her ability to live a fulfilling life while wearing it.

Helen is Deenie’s older sister. Deemed to be “the brain” of the family by her mother, Helen is a rather passive character in the first part of the story. She and Deenie are not very close, and Deenie notes that Helen mostly focuses on her studies, spending most of her time doing homework or visiting her friend Myra. Deenie envies Helen’s relative freedom and feels intimidated by her sister’s achievements, as she resents her mother’s controlling behavior.

After Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis, however, Helen becomes very supportive of her younger sister. She lends her some clothes and offers her help when Deenie struggles to use a menstrual pad with her brace on. Deenie also realizes that Helen shares her bitterness toward Thelma’s narrow ambitions for her daughters. Helen’s character shifts from perceived passivity to taking an active role in the narrative when she argues with her mother and stands up for both herself and Deenie: “I used to tell myself it didn’t matter if I wasn’t pretty like Deenie because I have a special brain and Deenie’s is just ordinary…but that didn’t help, Ma… […] because it’s not true! […] you can’t make us be what you want” (148). Importantly, Helen is the first person in the Fenner family who assures Deenie that she is not to blame for her condition. Deenie struggles with feelings of guilt for having scoliosis, disrupting her mother’s plans, and creating financial strain on her parents. Helen’s compassion and emotional intelligence allow her to support Deenie unconditionally, and, by the end of the story, the two sisters have grown much closer.

Midge and Janet are Deenie’s best friends, and their dynamic is explored throughout the novel as they navigate the challenges of seventh grade together. Deenie and Janet, for instance, try out for the cheerleading squad together. When Janet is selected for the team, Deenie hides her disappointment from her friend to avoid hurting her feelings. Later, at the movie theater, Buddy and Steve sit with Deenie and Janet respectively, leaving Midge alone. Deenie senses that the latter is jealous, leading her to worry about Midge feeling lonely during the school dance. Through these interactions, the narration demonstrates that Deenie, Janet, and Midge have a deep bond and are very attuned to one another’s emotions, representing a healthy and supportive group of friends.

When Deenie tells them about her scoliosis, Janet and Midge immediately show their support by planning a surprise shopping day for her. They buy her a nightgown for the hospital, a thoughtful gift that reveals their compassion and care for Deenie. Midge and Janet also immediately befriend Barbara after Deenie introduces them. The fact that they include the young girl in their friend group without hesitation further highlights their characteristic lack of judgment and prejudice, and Deenie often comments on how grateful she is for their friendship.